While a fuzzy layer of green roof moss imparts a quaint and cozy home aesthetic, it can also cause structural complications that may cost you in the long run. Other organic blemishes can cause similar issues, such as shingle degradation and leaks, causing damage, rot, and mold. As with many aspects of property upkeep, maintenance is often the most effective strategy to avoid future repair costs. Regular roof cleaning adds curbside appeal to your home, but it can also delay the need for expensive and bothersome shingling.
Over the last 30 years or so, low-pressure roof cleaning has become more prevalent and necessary as the quality of roofing materials has degraded. To reduce costs, shingle manufacturers have added increasing amounts of filler material, such as fiberglass and limestone. The latter is particularly problematic, serving as meal fodder for certain rooftop bacteria and plant-life. Moreover, the presence of build-up from mold, mildew, lichen, moss, soot, and dirt can affect the amount of sunlight that a roof absorbs. Increased heat absorption can affect the temperature inside your home and adversely affect air conditioning costs. As a result, rooftop cleaning is more important than ever to keep your home in an ideal living condition.
What’s Growing On Your Roof?
In humid areas like South Carolina, dark streaks on asphalt roofs are a common and sore sight. Contrary to popular belief, such visions are the result of more than just dirt and mold accumulation. Gloeocapsa Magma, or roof algae, is a bacterium that travels through the air and settles as spores or cell clumps. While eating away at the calcium carbonate in shingles, the bacterium protects its cells by producing a dark pigment. The unsightly black stains on your roof are nature’s sunscreen. Beyond being unattractive, the presence of roof algae can age shingles prematurely, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).
If the organic coating on your roof is green rather than black, the culprit is probably moss. Moss is typically found on the northern side of the roof, which receives the least amount of sunlight, or under the shade of trees. Unassuming and seemingly harmless, moss initially covers the roof with a thin layer, collecting in between shingles. However, over time it grows and allows water to seep underneath the shingles by conspicuously lifting their edges. Fortunately, moss is only a problem if ignored, and regular cleaning will surely keep it in check.
Removing Organic Contaminants From Your Roof
The best way to eliminate pesky bacteria, mildew, or dirt from your rooftop is with low-pressure roof cleaning, also known as soft washing. The power provided by a typical high-pressure washer can damage shingles by loosening them and removing their granular surface. In some cases, this will even make manufacturer warranties null and void. On the other hand, the low-pressure power washing method is delicate and easier on roofing materials, allowing a bleach or eco-friendly solution do the hard work. As navigating high roofs with debris can be a dangerous feat, roof cleaning is best left to the professionals. At Coast All Clean LLC, we employ responsible methods to remove unwanted discoloration and organic matter effectively. Contact us today to give your home a cleaning that leaves it as fresh on the outside as it is on the inside.